New Beer: Odell Red Ale

The kind folks at Odell Brewing sent me a few bottles of their new red ale, Odell Red Ale, this week. Here's their description:

The Rocky Mountain Goat is no ordinary goat. Just like Odell Red is no ordinary red.

We took the American-style red to a whole new level by adding a variety of aggressive American hops—giving this ale a distinctive fresh hop aroma and flavor.

We think you'll agree this red has some serious kick.

Available February – May of '09
6.5% Alcohol By Volume

The hops are indeed aggressive for the style, but not along the lines of Ithaca's Cascazilla or Troeg's Nuggest Nectar - that's not a bad thing. Still, the juicy, citrus hops are strong enough you could consider this an "Indian Red Ale." It's almost like an American version of the British Extra Special Bitter, as it's both full of smooth malt and biting hops, while still maintaining a good degree of drinkability. I say keep an eye for this baby, it's worth a try for anyone that likes their hops, but doesn't demand the bitterness be over the top.